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C. Von, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.I guess you can say it started in the womb. My mom sang in the choir and my dad was a jazz drummer. In the 50’s and early 60’s he would play in popular Jazz clubs throughout Los Angeles, especially up and down Central Avenue. So, it came as no surprise when I started beating on everything in sight. As with most African American musicians, I started playing in church and began playing drums “professionally” (getting paid) at the age of ten. I played for various gospel groups and choirs throughout the city and had the pleasure of traveling across the country and abroad. In 1982 I was playing for the Late Rev. James Cleveland’s youth choir, Voices of Cornerstone and that same year we recorded an album titled Praying Spirit that was written by the Legendary Twinkie Clark and was nominated for a Grammy. While doing that, I played in local bands throughout the city and one of the groups I was playing for at that time Majesty had just signed a management deal with Iris Gordy, Berry’s niece. I remember having to go and audition at Anna Gordy’s house, just like the Jackson 5 did in semi-autobiographical American Dream.

Although we never signed with Motown directly, the opportunity itself revealed some shortcomings and changed my life. I remember when it was time to do the demo, as the drummer, I was relegated to nothing more than a spectator because Motown’s producers have their own set of studio musicians. But, that wasn’t the turning point. The turning point came about when it was time to complete the paperwork for the copyrights and split sheets.

I was told that since I was the “drummer” that I hadn’t actually contributed or written anything and therefore was not entitled to any ownership. It was right then and there that I knew that in order to really make in this business, I needed to start writing. Shortly thereafter, I purchased a mini keyboard and a Yamaha 4 track recorder and to-date, I’ve written over 1,000 songs.

While playing drums, I became fascinated with the business of music, with an affinity towards management. I loved what happened behind the scenes, but more importantly, who was responsible for helping to shape and mold the career of the artist. If I had to have a role model(s), it would be Benny Medina (J. Lo, Will Smith),Johnny Wright (New Kids on the Block, the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake & Britney Spears) & Sherwin Bash (Anita Baker, Natalie Cole & David Copperfield) I started off by managing a gospel group that I played for and from there, things started to blossom.

In 1987, I was offered a publishing deal by a newly formed, but yet named, LaFace Records. Although it didn’t pan out, our paths would cross once again 30 years later. In 2000, I launched 6x Entertainment & Management. Over the years and I’ve had the pleasure to manage some great up & coming talent. But, the greatest talent that I’ve had the chance to manage to-date is my daughter, Tia P. She’s an IGOT in training; an actress, music producer, songwriter, drummer, DJ & educational counselor.

Five or six years later, people began to take notice and asked if I would represent them. In 2015, I met my partner and friend Marty Arnold via a mutual friend, Peter Verdun, Marty had his own Sports and Entertainment Management Company and to-date has sold over 20 million records. In 2018, we merged companies, and to-date we manage 3 musical acts (Tia P., Ki (pron. Key) & Lord Roka) and3 actors(Donald Taylor, Grey King and Shelle Coleman)

Summer 2019 is going to be one for the record books. All of our artists will have their new singles released and the plan is to follow up with a tour.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?I can’t say it’s been struggle, however, I can say it’s been an interesting journey. The biggest challenge has been the hurry up and wait game. However, unlike years in the past, what has made this even more enjoyable is having the right team around, in addition to Marty, there’s Anthony Murphy, Taye Hov, Morry Fluff, Cree, Reesha Archibald, Linda Maldonado & Dalyce D’Lyte Kelley-Carr and hot production from the HotHitters Entertainment

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the 6x Entertainment story. Tell us more about the business.To create a Motown-esque type of platform whereby artist can create without conformity.

To establish a collaborative environment that allows our artists to co-write with one another as well as participate on each other’s projects. I want our artist to write as many songs as possible so that they don’t necessarily have to depend on performing to make a living.

To goal is to have the name of the company be synonymous with Class and Quality. I want us to be that one Stop Shop that the industry can call on when they need a hit song, electrifying talent, production or management

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?I’m not really a fan of luck, but of fate. I believe everyone has been given a purpose and destiny. It is our responsibility to tap into it. It could be in the form of an opportunity or an individual.

I believe I’m exactly where God wants to me, and He’s placed the right people in my life for this appointed time. Should I fail, I’ll have no one to blame other than myself. Since my life has been destined, I remain committed to the process and those who dare to dream with me.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Marty. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.I have or 25 years in the Music Industry and have my hand in over 20 million records sold worldwide. It has been a long journey, disappointments and the word NO told to me often. I struggled managing groups trying to get them in the face a Record Labels and then in the early 90’s I had a group signed to Laface Records B-Rock and the Bizz and my first commercial hit was born “My Baby Daddy” with Laface. The song went on to break musical records and change the pop culture…the term Baby Daddy wasn’t used until the song came out. The record was certified gold with 500,000 pre-orders alone. The song also opened up the door for our production company to work with heavyweights in the industry like Usher, Rick Ross, The Game, Trick Daddy and The Dream just to name a few and songs on the Players club soundtrack and Bring It On.

Has it been a smooth road?
My challenges were I started in an era without Internet / social media so we really had to go door to door from state to state to get our music to just be considered we couldn’t just send an email or post on social media. I thought my name was No Not Interested, I heard it so much. The challenges now are being tech savvy with the internet now everything moves quickly so you gotta stay ahead of the curve.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with 6x Entertainment – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.6x Entertainment was started before me, I merged my company with my now business partner C. Von Parchman who is based in Los Angeles, California. Our merger has now allowed us to have a bi-coastal operation with me in Atlanta, Georgia. 6x Entertainment creates opportunities for trendsetters that shape the culture in film, television, music, sports, and beyond. We have a roster of talent in all these categories ex: actors we place in commercials, print ad & film, basketball players overseas, musical artist, writers / producers etc.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Being born and raised in Los Angeles but having relocated here over 20 years ago I love being apart of the evolution of Atlanta in the entertainment world…never would I have thought 20 years ago this would be the new Hollywood.